“I have not approved this union, nor will I. The girl will die here tonight.” His voice holds finality in it.
Cleo tenses beside me. I reach down, gripping her hand before stepping in front of her.
“You will not touch her. She is mine.”
“You think a claim will do anything? You’re my soldier. You do as I say. If I say to slit the bitch's throat, you will do so without hesitation.”
I can feel my blood boiling. The impulsive thriving under my skin, begging me to end him for threatening what is ours.
I can’t give in. Not this time.
I may be impulsive and reckless, but it’s all strategic. By being that way, I have proven that I will do anything without a second thought. It makes me dangerous. Less likely to be fucked with.
Not here. Not today. My father doesn’t see that part of me. He sees his obedient son, who’s rebelling. He doesn’t believe I’ll do it.
Too bad for him, I thrive in this unpredictable world.
“I challenge you.”
My voice is strong as the room goes deathly silent.
“You challenge me? You are injured. Even when you are at full health, you have never bested me.” He scoffs.
The laughter in his voice only fuels me more.
He’s right. In the past, I have never bested him in a sword fight, but we also haven’t dueled in many years. Back then, he was my only teacher. Now, I’ve learned from others. I have combined all of my knowledge into my own unique fighting style.
Cleo squeezes my hand, her forehead falling onto my back, between my shoulder blades.
I offer her as much comfort as I can in this moment. I need her to be strong for me.
“You let me worry about that, old man. I’d say you’ll see, but we both know this is one fight that will be to the death.”
It’s true, too. A challenge for control is always to the death.
“Very well. Know that when you are gone, I will gut the bitch. Maybe I’ll even let some of the men take some turns at her. I will destroy her before letting her die a slow, painful death.”
Intimidation. He is trying to intimidate me or flip my crazy switch.
He’s pressing the right buttons. She’s my weakness, but it is for her that I am doing this. For her safety.
“Nice try. Set it up, boys,” I call out, watching as the men clear a circle.
Turning to Cleo, I strip off my shirt.
“Hold this for me, gorgeous.” I wink, leaning in to press a quick kiss to her lips.
She pulls me closer, slipping her tongue into mine.
Then she pulls back, worry shining in her eyes. “I’m scared,” she whispers.
I nod. “Remember my promise? I will always come back for you.”
She nods, kissing me again.
Then I pull Kenji in for a hug. “If shit goes down, she’s your priority. Run away with her and never come back. He will never let this go.”
He pats me on the back as I pull away. “Go kick some ass, Boss.”
